Finding Her Voice: Brianna Reilly on Music, Resilience, and a Future in Higher Education

This May, Brianna Reilly, a Doctor of Musical Arts student originally from New York and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, celebrated a milestone: graduating from the University of Memphis and being honored with the Top 30 Under 35 Award during the Graduate Student Association’s spring awards ceremony. Her journey from aspiring performer to music scholar and educator is marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep passion for using music as a vehicle for healing and understanding.

Brianna first came to the UofM for her Master of Music degree, but the turning point came during the COVID era. “I was offered a full GA to continue into my doctorate,” she said. “It felt like the universe was giving me a sign to continue my education—and that I could make a real difference in music and higher education.”

Her dissertation centers on Ned Rorem’s song cycle Aftermath, a work composed in response to the 9/11 tragedy. Raised in New York until 2005, Brianna felt a profound connection to this piece. “I was curious to find other works that would make me feel a deep connection to my home state,” she explained. What drew her further into Aftermath was not just its theme, but Rorem’s background as a Quaker and pacifist—and how those beliefs shaped the music’s emotional landscape.

Through her research, she uncovered how intentional silence plays a critical role in the piece, mirroring Quaker worship practices and adding depth to its emotional resonance. That discovery, made through the support of her dissertation chair Dr. Josef Hanson, was a defining “aha” moment. “He truly cared about my research, writing, and well-being,” she said. “I would not be here at the finish line without his optimism and support.”

Brianna hopes her work will not only shed new light on Aftermath, but also spark broader conversations about how music interprets tragedy and emotion. “There’s a cycle in society of violence, grief, and moving on,” she said. “Music allows us to process those moments in a way words often can’t. I hope my work encourages more singers to perform these contemporary classical pieces and brings more accessibility to modern works.”

Her time at UofM has been filled with proud moments, but none as powerful as performing her doctoral lecture recital. “I was surrounded by friends who had never been to a recital before and by family who have supported me forever,” she said. “It was a moment I’ll never forget.”

What keeps her going? “My parents,” Brianna shared. “They’ve always been there for me—through every challenge, every celebration. My success is theirs too.”

That drive and passion have already propelled her into her dream career. In August, she began teaching choir and Introduction to Music at Dyersburg State Community College—a role that has grown to include voice lessons, music appreciation, and the development of a Music Emphasis degree. “It was nerve-wracking at first,” she said, “but I used my knowledge and enthusiasm to create something special. I feel incredibly lucky to be doing what I love.”

Brianna Reilly’s story shows the transformative power of education, the enduring influence of music, and the strength that comes from following your passion—especially when it’s hard. As she continues to shape the next generation of musicians and scholars, we’re proud to celebrate her accomplishments and the legacy she’s building.